NJ Sen. Frank Lautenberg, 89, says he will retire

TRENTON, N.J.- Democratic Sen. Frank Lautenberg, the oldest member of the U.S. Senate, announced Thursday that he will retire at the end of his current term rather than seek re-election at age 90 next year.

“This is not the end of anything, but rather the beginning of a two-year mission to pass new gun safety laws, protect children from toxic chemicals, and create more opportunities for working families in New Jersey,” Lautenberg said in a statement.

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President Barack Obama called Lautenberg “a steadfast champion of the people of New Jersey.”

“Throughout his time in the Senate, Frank has fought tirelessly for workers, veterans, members of our military and their families, and immigrants, and he continues to make extraordinary contributions to our nation’s safety, and the health and welfare of our citizens,” he said in a statement.

The senator has been a staunch advocate of gun control and public infrastructure and a champion of the Amtrak railroad system.